Mexican Pizza

Preparation time- 15-20 min if you use a pre-made crust.

I always find that Mexican food is an easy and tasty option for busy days when I get home late from work. Usually, I will make a quick burrito or quesadilla. When I have more time on my hand I'll make some enchiladas. No matter which item I choose, the ingredients are similar so it comes down to my mood. Last night, I decided on a Mexican pizza. I make two styles of Mexican pizza. One is on a regular pizza crust, and the other one is similar to the tortilla version they serve at Taco Bell (my favorite fast food restaurant thanks to the great variety of vegetarian options!). This is a recipe for the pizza crust version.

As for the pizza crusts, on her visits to Atlanta, my mom is nice enough to bring me homemade pizza sauce and individual sized pizza crusts to store in my freezer. Not only dos this make my life easier, but I am a little more guilt free from limiting the canned and processed foods in my recipes. Not everyone is so lucky, but there are excellent options available on the market for quick pizza crusts solutions- anything from Boboli's pre-made crusts to Trader Joe's fresh pizza dough balls. Below is my version of the Mexican pizza sans measurements because I usually just wing it.

Ingredients:

For the refried black beans*:
1 prepared pizza crust
1 can of black beans (minus the liquid)
Chopped red onions (white are fine also)
Chopped garlic
Olive Oil (or any type of cooking oil)
Taco Seasoning (or cumin, chili powder, and salt)

For the toppings:
Mexican-mix shredded cheese (or a mix of monterey jack and cheddar)
Chopped tomatoes
Green onions or Red onions
Black olives (optional)
Corn (optional)
Jalapeños (optional)

Garnish with sour cream drizzled on the top.
Special add on- chopped avocado after the pizza has baked.

Make the refried black beans by putting all the ingredients in a food processor. Don't completely puree them- you want some texture. Spread the mixture onto the pizza crust. Add the toppings. Bake at 350. Remove and serve with drizzled sour cream on top and hot sauce on the side. Yum!
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*Above is my quick version of refried black beans. If you have more time on your hand saute the chopped onions, garlic, and seasoning in the oil until tender in medium high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the black beans. Let simmer, while mashing and stirring the beans. After several minutes, if the texture is too coarse place this entire mixture in the food processor. Simmering the beans this way adds more of the flavors of the garlic and onions.